'Impossible dream' turns into reality for 'A Chorus Line' producer at The Villages

THE VILLAGES — Some folks thought it was Joan Knapton's "impossible dream."

Performing-arts types in the retirement community scoffed when Knapton's co-owned KC Productions announced plans to stage the backstage musical, "A Chorus Line," which reveals the personalities of auditioning dancers.

"Everyone told me it couldn't be done with seniors because it's a show about energetic young people," co-director Knapton recalled. "They said, 'They can't look that good.' "

Maybe it is people's curiosity, but the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play will open Wednesday at the Savannah Center in The Villages in a sold-out, four-day run.

Knapton's co-producer and co-director, Jim Caisse, heard from the same type of naysayers.

"Someone said, 'It's not going to happen,' " he said. "But I said, 'Yes, it will happen.' People will accept this cast. I think attitude is everything."

Caisse, also the show's choreographer, had to identify the best dancers among the singers and actors who auditioned for the show's 17 triple-threat slots.

"It was more difficult with the men," he said. "Most people were either singers or actors, but we have been at this for the last nine months and it's like a miracle how far they have come."

An additional snag is that Caisse had to tackle choreography that is among the most complicated in musical theater.

Knapton said some thought the play was too edgy for audiences in The Villages, with its references to homosexuality and rough language.

"We cut out the F-bombs but still maintained the integrity of the play," she said. "These are true stories of the dance gypsies so you can't change too much."

The leggy finale, "One," features the same style gold top hats and tuxedos as in the original Broadway production, danced in front of a mirrored backdrop.